THE TOP 10 FOODS THAT BOOST YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING

The top 10 foods that boost your health and well being

People often think that the exclusion of certain foods from their diet is the same as eating healthy. This is not true.

Excluding high calorie foods such as hamburgers and sodas from your diet is not tantamount to eating healthy. Rather, eating healthy involves the consumption of healthy foods that have a diverse mix of nutrients.

These nutrients should help your body to fight off diseases and to grow strong. For example, you need foods that are rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and complex carbohydrates.

Unfortunately, information on healthy foods is lacking yet knowing these foods can help you to make the right decision when you are at the grocery store. Here are the top 10 foods that boost your health and well being.

1. Nuts

You can choose from a wide variety of nuts including cashews, pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts and pistachios. These nuts are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats that boost your metabolism.

They also contain a high level of proteins, antioxidants, minerals, fatty acids and fiber that improve your general well-being and lower your risk of developing heart disease.

2. Leafy Vegetables

You should eat dark, green and leafy vegetables such as watercress, spinach and kale. These foods are rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium and iron.

They also contain a lot of phyto-nutrients as well as vitamin C. The net effect of these nutrients is lowered blood pressure, improved eyesight and a reduced risk of developing cognitive decline.

3. Beetroot

Beetroot is a great source of energy that can help you to cope with the physical strain that usually comes with regular exercises. It contains important vitamins such as vitamin C in addition to essential minerals.

These nutrients accelerate the rate of tissue repair and growth in your body. Beetroot also helps you to fight off blood pressure, cancer and dementia.

It also improves the function of your liver as well as the condition of your heart.

4. Oats

Oats are a very good choice of healthy grains. They contain minerals such as iron, calcium and zinc. They also have vitamins such as vitamin B.

Oats can help you to improve the function of your nervous system. They also help you to lower your cholesterol levels as well as your blood pressure levels.

Finally, oats will reduce your risk of developing diabetes or heart disease.

5. Beans

Beans contain a high amount of protein and fiber. Interestingly, only a few people realize that beans are also rich in manganese, vitamin B, iron and certain types of antioxidants.

These nutrients make beans one of the top 10 foods that boost your health and well being. More specifically, beans will reduce your cholesterol levels, improve your digestive system and stabilize your sugar levels through its nutrients.

6. Fish

You should consume certain types of fish such as sardines, salmon, trout and mackerel. They are rich in vitamin A, vitamin D and healthy oils.

They also contain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are a special type of unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids lower your risk of developing medical conditions such as brain damage, dementia, stroke, prostate cancer, heart disease and macular degeneration.

Studies also show that consuming the fishes mentioned above can improve your memory and brain function.

7. Quinoa

Studies show that there are eight essential amino acids namely isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Quinoa contains all the eight amino acids, which is a very rare quality in any type of food including oily fish.

Quinoa is also high in fibre, vitamin B and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese and iron.

8. Berries

Berries are a rich source of healthy nutrients especially when it comes to antioxidants. It is important for you to note that specific berries have specific nutritional benefits.

For example, blueberries can help you to fight off colon cancer while bilberries can improve your vision.

In addition, cranberries ward off urinary tract infections while boysenberries reduce your chances of developing dementia.

9. Onions

Members of the onion family include leeks, chives and garlic. These foods lower your cholesterol levels, which in turn lowers your level of blood pressure.

Onions and garlic have antibacterial and antiviral properties that help you to fend off illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses.

Other studies show that onions are important when it comes to the prevention of hip osteoarthritis.

10. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are among the top 10 foods that boost your health and well being because they strengthen your immune system, prevent blood clots, neutralise free radicals in your body and fight against the development of cancer cells in your body.